JourneyCareersNightclub Doorman

Nightclub Doorman

AI

A nightclub doorman controls entry to clubs and bars and keeps customers safe inside through the night. It suits calm, confident people who can handle conflict without aggression and want security work that relies on people skills more than force.

The role

What a nightclub doorman actually does, day to day.

The work is checking IDs, deciding who comes in, watching for trouble, breaking up arguments and dealing with anyone too drunk or aggressive, then recording any incidents. Staying calm, reading situations early and talking people down matter far more than size, and you often work closely with bar staff, CCTV and the police.

The hours are nights, weekends and bank holidays, often outdoors and in the cold, and there is a real chance of facing aggression, so a level head is essential. Pay is usually hourly, often a little above minimum for the unsociable, demanding hours.

By law you must hold a valid SIA (Security Industry Authority) door supervisor licence, which means approved training and a background check before you can work. Many doormen start through a security firm once licensed.

A typical week

Day to day

1Check IDs and decide who can enter
2Watch for trouble inside and outside
3Refuse entry to those too drunk or underage
4Calmly defuse arguments and conflict
5Remove aggressive or unsafe customers
6Record and report incidents
7Work with CCTV, staff and police